ARTICALE 2 INDIA

Why Was NEP 2020 Needed? The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was introduced to address systemic challenges in India’s education system, particularly in rural areas, where 65% of the population resides. The need arose due to the following reasons: Outdated Education Framework: The previous 1986 policy, unchanged for 34 years, was misaligned with 21st-century demands like technology, globalization, and skill-based economies. Rural education, in particular, suffered from outdated curricula, rote learning, and lack of vocational focus, failing to prepare students for modern job markets. Persistent Rural Challenges: Rural education faces unique issues: Low Learning Outcomes: ASER 2024 shows only 48% of rural Class 3 students read at grade level, and 60% are proficient in math, indicating poor foundational skills. High Dropout Rates: Over 30% of rural students, especially girls and SC/ST communities, drop out by Class 8 due to poverty, early marriage, or child labor. Infrastructure Defi...

Impact of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) on Rural Education India’s National Education Policy (NEP 2020), approved by the Union Cabinet on July 29, 2020, is a transformative framework aimed at reshaping the country’s education system to meet 21st-century challenges. Replacing the 1986 policy after 34 years, NEP 2020 adopts an inclusive, flexible, and holistic approach. Its core objective is to ensure 'education for all,' emphasizing quality, equity, and accessibility. The policy’s impact on rural education is particularly significant, as approximately 65% of India’s population resides in rural areas, where education reflects the nation’s broader progress. Rural India has long grappled with educational challenges. Despite 75 years of independence, issues like inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, high dropout rates, and the digital divide persist. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024, only 48% of rural Class 3 students can read at a Gr...